Bodie Pickens

The Greenville Tigers fell 41-6 to the undefeated Class 4A No. 2-ranked Demopolis Friday night to close out the season with a 1-9 mark.

The homestanding Tigers could not overcome a 34-0 halftime deficit to the defending 4A state champions.

&#8220Our players were put in position tonight to win, but we didn't execute,” Greenville coach Mike Williams said.

After the Tigers were initially held three and out by the stout Demopolis defense, the GHS defense recovered a fumble at the Demopolis 19-yard line on its first play from scrimmage.

However, the Tiger offense committed its own turnover as Demopolis senior Dontrell Miller took an interception 90 yards for a touchdown.

Miller dodged tacklers en route to the 7-0 lead with 7:51 left in the first half.

Miller also produced on offense as the quarterback completed 12-of-17 passes for 183 yards including three touchdown strikes.

Miller had TD tosses for 70, 7 and 12 yards in the first half against GHS.

Demopolis senior wideout Dwiuan White led their Tiger squad with four catches for 87 yards including a 70-yard touchdown with 3:07 remaining in the first quarter.

After being down 14-0, the Greenville offense kept trying to move the ball down the field.

However, Demopolis was able to counter with their senior laden defense.

Demopolis senior Jacob Smelley led the Tigers with eight tackles and fellow senior Ezell Braxton chipped in with six tackles.

Demopolis increased the lead to 20-0 with 10:04 left in the second half as senior tailback Rod Jones ran up the middle for a 24-yard touchdown.

That was the first effective running play Demopolis had against the Tiger defense.

&#8220We had trouble running the ball in the first half against Greenville,” Demopolis Head Coach Doug Godwin said.

Demopolis increased the lead to 27-0 when Miller found White for his second TD reception on a seven-yard pass up the middle with 3:42 remaining in the first half.

Before the half ended, Demopolis scored another TD when Jones caught a 12-yard screen pass from Miller with :05 left.

In the second half, Greenville was able to get on the scoreboard when quarterback Lynn Lewis connected with Isiah Mack on a 71-yard TD toss with 4:30 remaining in the fourth and final quarter.

Greenville junior Robert Phifer, Jr. led the GHS Tigers with 25 rushing yards while sophomore Reco Johnson had 17 yards on the night.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior Jerimiah Mosely had nine tackles while seniors Rashad Knight and Ricky McCall had five takedowns.

&#8220We played a tough team tonight,” Williams said, &#8220They (Demopolis) will do well in the playoffs.”

The defending state champions have not lost a regular season game since 2001.

&#8220We beat a good team tonight in Greenville.

I wish Greenville luck in the future,” Godwin said.

As for the future, Williams spoke on how Greenville football program will get better.

&#8220In order to build this program where it needs to be, we'll implement a mandatory year around strength and conditioning program,” Williams said.

Williams stated it would take cooperation from the players as well as the parents.

&#8220It will take a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work on their part, but it has to be done,” Williams said.

Williams also stated that the Tigers were put in position to win this year but, due to a lack of strength, were not able to hang on.

&#8220We are going to roll up our sleeves and get some callouses on our hands,” Williams said.

&#8220I believe this help Greenville win those kind of ball games that we lost this year.”

Depth is also an issue.

&#8220Through this program, we'll develop some skill athletes across the board that will enhance our depth charts.” he said.

Williams summed up his belief on the year around strength and conditioning program.

&#8220Strength equals confidence.

Confidence equals aggressiveness.

Aggressiveness equals an opportunity to win.”

Williams also complimented the school administration, the Greenville community and student body for the support this year.

&#8220I really do appreciate all their support,” Williams said, &#8220It means a lot to me and the coaching staff.”

&#8220Greenville is a great community and I have no doubt that this football team will improve during the off season.”

Williams stated that Greenville has welcomed him with open arms when he and his family arrived this past summer.

&#8220Overall, this has been a positive experience from my standpoint.”